United Airlines Sets Record by Airlifting 175 Million Passengers in 2024
Lagos – United Airlines has announced a record-breaking year, transporting 175 million passengers globally in 2024. This achievement, detailed in a statement by the airline, represents the highest annual passenger count in the company’s history.
The airline attributed its success to its ability to cater to the interests and preferences of modern travelers. United also highlighted key trends in passenger behavior, entertainment choices, and popular destinations.
Travel Trends and Entertainment
United reported a 25% surge in flight demand, driven by fans attending major events, including the year’s most significant concert tours. European destinations such as Milan and Munich saw demand spike by 40% during the summer compared to 2023, showcasing United’s preparedness to meet high travel demands.
Interestingly, passengers spent an average of 60 minutes watching the flight map, surpassing interest in traditional entertainment options like movies and TV shows. Among onboard television favorites, the Australian children’s show Bluey emerged as the most-watched program, appealing to both kids and adults. Classic sitcoms such as Friends, The Office, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and The Big Bang Theory also ranked high in popularity.
For films, the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon took to the skies, with Barbie being the most-watched movie onboard, closely followed by Oppenheimer. Other top films included Anyone But You, The Beekeeper, and Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One.
Food and Beverage Preferences
United revealed that Coca-Cola products continued to dominate the soft drink market onboard, with Coca-Cola, Diet Coke, and Seagram’s Ginger Ale ranking as the top three beverages.
Among alcoholic beverages, Tito’s Handmade Vodka topped the list, while sparkling wine was the favorite wine variety across all cabin classes.
When it came to snacks, savory options outperformed sweet choices. The complimentary Summer Harvest Savory Snack Mix led the way, alongside popular paid options like the Tapas Snackbox and Pringles.
Booking Trends and App Usage
Millennials demonstrated a balanced approach to booking flights, with about one-third using United’s website and another third opting for the United app. The app itself saw significant growth, with more than eight million customers using it to book flights—marking a 15% increase from 2023.
Looking Ahead to 2025
United is set to expand its global reach further with new summer 2025 destinations, including Greenland, Mongolia, and Senegal. The airline anticipates providing even more unique travel experiences, underscoring its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.
This landmark year underscores United Airlines’ ability to adapt to passenger needs and deliver exceptional service, solidifying its position as a global leader in aviation.
Reference
United Airlines Sets Record by Airlifting 175 Million Passengers in 2024